Results

The study showed that the mean length of the sigmoid colon in living subjects was 48.9 ± 1.3 cm (range 30.5–65 cm) while the mean length of the sigmoid colon in cadaver subjects was 50.1 ± 1.6 cm (range 34.5–67.8 cm) and this was not statistically significantly different. Two patterns of the shape of the sigmoid loop were identified: dolichomesocolic and brachymesocolic pattern. In about 80 % of subjects in both groups, dolichomesocolic-type was seen. The gender analysis showed that males had statistically significant longer sigmoid colon (P = 0.040). The dimension of sigmoid colon significantly increased with age of the patients in cadaver subjects and in both sexes (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The study concluded that the lengths of sigmoid colon are not different in living and cadaver subjects but are relatively longer than measurement from western countries. The lengths of sigmoid colon and mesocolon also increases with age and this may possibly be the anatomical basis for the frequent occurrence of sigmoid volvulus and failed colonoscopy among the older population in our environment.

Sadahiro, S, Ohmura, T, Yamada, Y, Saito, T, Taki, Y (1992) Analysis of length and surface area of each segment of the large intestine according to age sex and physique. Surg Radiol Anat 14: pp. 251-257
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